Singapore has three main property stamp duties that every buyer and seller needs to understand. Get any one of them wrong and you could face an unexpected bill of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. This guide covers all three — Buyer's Stamp Duty, Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty, and Seller's Stamp Duty — in a single reference you can bookmark and come back to.
The Three Property Stamp Duties in Singapore
Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD)
BSD applies to every property purchase in Singapore regardless of residency status, property type, or number of properties owned. It uses a progressive tiered rate based on the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher.
BSD rates for residential property (from 15 February 2023): 1% on first $180,000 / 2% on next $180,000 / 3% on next $640,000 / 4% on next $500,000 / 5% on $1.5M to $3M / 6% above $3M.
For a $1.5 million property, BSD is approximately $44,600. For a $2 million property, BSD is approximately $69,600.
Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD)
ABSD applies on top of BSD and varies based on your residency status and how many residential properties you own. Singapore Citizens buying their first property pay zero ABSD. All other situations attract ABSD at rates ranging from 5% (PR, first property) to 65% (entities).
Current rates (effective from 27 April 2023): SC 1st property 0% / SC 2nd property 20% / SC 3rd+ 30% / PR 1st property 5% / PR 2nd property 30% / PR 3rd+ 35% / Foreigner any property 60% / Entity any property 65%.
ABSD is calculated on the higher of the purchase price or market value and must be paid within 14 days of signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement.
Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD)
SSD applies only to sellers who dispose of a residential property within the holding period after purchase. Properties bought on or after 4 July 2025 are subject to a 4-year holding period and higher rates. Properties bought before that date use the old 3-year holding period.
New SSD rates (properties bought from 4 July 2025): Up to 1 year: 16% / 1-2 years: 12% / 2-3 years: 8% / 3-4 years: 4% / Beyond 4 years: No SSD.
SSD does not apply to HDB flat owners who have fulfilled the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period.
Which Stamp Duties Apply to Your Situation?
As a first-time Singapore Citizen buyer of a private condominium, you pay only BSD — no ABSD, no SSD (assuming you hold for more than the SSD holding period). Your total stamp duty on a $1.5 million unit is approximately $44,600.
As a Singapore Citizen upgrader buying a $1.5 million resale condo while still owning an HDB flat, you pay BSD plus 20% ABSD — approximately $344,600 in total. If you sell your HDB within 6 months, you can apply for the ABSD to be refunded under the married couple remission scheme (if applicable).
As a PR buying your first property at $1.5 million, you pay BSD plus 5% ABSD — approximately $119,600 in total.
As a foreigner buying any residential property at $1.5 million, you pay BSD plus 60% ABSD — approximately $944,600 in total, with most of this being the $900,000 ABSD.
Payment Deadlines
- BSD and ABSD: Must be paid within 14 days of signing the Sale and Purchase Agreement if executed in Singapore, or 30 days if signed overseas
- SSD: Must be paid within 14 days of the date of the executed sale contract
- Late payment incurs penalties from IRAS — these are non-negotiable
How to Pay
All stamp duties are paid through the IRAS e-Stamping Portal. Your conveyancing lawyer typically handles this process as part of the property transaction. For new launches, CPF can be used to pay both BSD and ABSD. For resale private properties, ABSD must be paid in cash first — you can then apply to your CPF Board for reimbursement from your Ordinary Account after legal completion.
Where to Get the Official Calculator
IRAS provides a free Stamp Duty Calculator on its official website at iras.gov.sg. This is the authoritative tool and is updated whenever rates change. Always use this calculator rather than third-party tools for your final numbers before committing to a purchase.
Not Sure What Stamp Duty You Owe? Ask Keith.
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WhatsApp +65 9750 1055This article is for general information only. All stamp duty rates are set by IRAS and the Ministry of Finance. Rates cited are current as at March 2026. Always use the official IRAS Stamp Duty Calculator and consult a qualified property lawyer for your specific transaction. Information accurate as at March 2026.